Carrying through on its warning about what could happen, the management of Hostess Brands announced this morning that the company is going out of business and laying off its 18,500 employees.

At issue: According to Hostess CEO Gregory Rayburn, "we simply do not have the financial resources to survive an ongoing national strike."

So, Twinkie fans, now might be the time to stock up. The same goes for those of you who love Ding Dongs, Donettes and Devil Dogs. And we can't neglect to mention Sno Balls and Wonder Bread. (Click here to see those and more of company's baked goods.)

Hostess filed for bankruptcy protection back in January, saying its sales had been hurt by consumers' appetite for healthier foods. There is, of course, a Save Twinkies Facebook page. And "save Twinkies" seems to be a rising topic on Twitter.

Will a white knight with a sweet tooth come through to bring Twinkies back?

Meanwhile, the company's demise comes at a complicated time for some Americans, what with marijuana laws being relaxed in several states.

In all seriousness, the Union deserves some blame but it was simply the nail in the coffin. The hostess brand has been perishing for a long while now. They have not displayed the ingenuity and flexibility to survive. Placing the blame entirely on the Union is merely an attempt to reinforce your preexisting feelings about organized labor.

_________________2011 Adopted Lion: Rob Sims/Looking for a side job at I.H.O.P because he can't stop making pancakes.